All companies place deep trust and reliance in their researchers or purchasers who must recommend viable options based on the proffered background and reputation of established scientific lab equipment companies. If, however, you are a purchasing agent who is not expected to perform due diligence to determine full value at the time of purchase and beyond but has instead been instructed to purchase the lowest price equipment with no consideration of value or vendor reputation – this article was not written for you.
An agile company will require extensive due diligence before making any major equipment purchasing decisions. Whether they are in the market to replace outdated lab equipment or are looking to purchase the best technology for their purposes, it’s important to choose the right equipment to suit your environment. Most importantly, a solution that will help protect all within as well as the lab staff who will be using the equipment.
Proper due diligence is required before making any major equipment purchasing decisions. The perfect solution for your organization is out there and it is your job to find it. For the purposes of this discussion, we will examine ‘due diligence’ purchasing as it pertains to fume hoods. First you must establish if the benefits gained from utilizing the most up-to-date technology provide a safer, more flexible environment. Secondly, does it make more economic sense to install a ductless fume hood as opposed to one that requires HVAC renovations and lengthy project disruption? Although a lab may have space for a static floor model fume hood now, might it be better to consider a flexible model that can be unplugged and wheeled into a new, more convenient position in the room wherever needed. Along the same line of reasoning, a ductless tabletop model might better serve space restraints. Some situations may require a combination of both.
Purchasing agents with a vision for the future are invaluable to their company. Your credibility is important so before forwarding your recommendations, consider these seven points as part of your due diligence, when reviewing fume hoods (or any lab equipment) for your labs:
- Identify the type of equipment you need. For the purposes of this discussion, we have chosen fume hoods. A quick google search will uncover that there are 2 main categories – Ducted and Ductless filtering fume hoods. Your lab director, chemists or lab techs know ‘how’ they are using fume hoods so a preliminary discussion with them is needed to establish technical and safety requirements.
- Find out who the field of vendors are that sell fume hoods. Again, a quick google search will confirm that there are many companies selling, new, used, and repurposed equipment. You will need to narrow down your search criteria to eliminate those companies you should avoid.
- Determining the companies to avoid. Read reviews, investigate the company reputation, longevity, and service after the sale. Unfortunately, many purchasing agents might place this last on their list. That would be a mistake. Before considering all other points below, you need to know that the company you recommend is reliable, ethical, delivers on their promises and backs up their claims.
- End User training and technical support. We are of the opinion that it makes little sense to purchase quality equipment without offering training and support when ever needed. Your new state-of-the-art equipment will sit unused by staff that are leery or confused by its workings because they have not received proper operating instructions or a number to call for immediate assistance.
- Replacement parts and consumables availability. OEM certified parts and new consumables versus refurbished parts and consumables need to be considered. Do the new or refurbished parts and consumable prices fall within your equipment maintenance budget? It’s important to review the language concerning parts and consumables in the service contract as well as ascertain from your vendor if parts are available, in what time frame are they delivered, and if technical service is required for replacement. You should also be aware that most service contracts are based on replacements being acquired from the original manufacturer and that noncompliance by use of seemingly similar parts can often negate the contract.
- Will your new equipment be environmentally friendly? As concern for the environment, inside and outside, impacts the health of lab staff as well as the surrounding community, all new lab designs should incorporate options to further clean air goals. Keeping this in mind it is important to understand how the new ‘green’ equipment works and what to look for. As we are using fume hoods for the purpose of this comparison, be aware that ducted fume hoods are connected to an HVAC system where contaminated air is released into the environment. On the other hand, ductless filtration fume hoods aggressively draw contaminated air into their filters where it is contained, and high-quality air is then released back into the lab. It is also important to stress that not only will new ductless fume hoods negate HVAC renovations that interrupt and pollute procedures, but the maintenance costs over its lifetime will be significantly reduced.
- Price Comparisons – When purchasing new lab equipment price is always a major concern but if your due diligence has included the previous six steps, your choices will be arrived at in a logical, thorough investigation. To recap, if you have reviewed reputable vendors who have been in business for at least 50 years and continue to innovate through R&D — you can be assured they are doing everything right; If said vendors have offered customers reviews on their website-they are confident in their products; if part of those reviews highlight client satisfaction and service after the sale-they stand behind their product and will be there when you need them; if the vendor offers chemical certification that guarantees the safety of all personnel based on the exact chemicals beings used with their equipment in the lab-they are ensuring that their products are used properly to keep everyone safe.
In conclusion, when you compare the total costs of ownership remember that buying new may require more money upfront, but you will most likely not run into operational problems and if you do, for whatever reason, hopefully, you have chosen a company that will supply timely service to make it right. If buying used or at an auction, you will not have any kind of service or support after the sale. In addition, don’t forget to factor in how much you will likely spend in consumables over the next 5 to 10 years. To this point, it is advisable to purchase high-quality parts and replacements recommended by the manufacturer for an economically long life through efficiency.
Ready to make an informed decision on your lab’s next fume hood? Contact us today to explore our range of equipment, receive expert guidance, and ensure your lab operates safely and efficiently.
